Diagnostic Imaging

Finding what's wrong...

The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Morton General Hospital is committed to image-based patient care by providing the best quality studies possible. Our sophisticated imagery technology provides physicians and other medical caregivers important tools for accurately diagnosing and treating a broad array of health problems. Our Diagnostic Imaging Department has expanded several times over the past few years, offering the modalities best suited to meet the needs of our community.

Diagnostic Radiology:

X-ray imaging is one of the fastest and easiest ways for a physician to view the internal structures of the body. X-ray imaging is an excellent tool for assessing skeletal trauma (e.g. broken bones), and for comprehensive imaging of the thoracic cavity including the lungs and heart. MGH offers Computed/Digital Radiography.

Nuclear Medicine:

is the use of very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and sometimes treat disease. Nuclear medicine can provide:

1. Accurate images that help health-care professionals study organs and tissues
2. Valuable information about how organs and tissues work
3. Therapy - a way of fighting some diseases

Computed Tomography (CT):

(also called CAT scan) uses special x-ray equipment and powerful computers to provide physicians with highly detailed, cross-sectional images of any part of the body. CT imaging can show several types of tissue-lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels-with great clarity. Using CT scans of the body; radiologists can more easily diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. 

Ultrasound

is a method of obtaining images from inside the body through the use of sound waves, rather than x-rays. This is frequently used to examine the body's internal organs as well as to study the vascular system and heart. Ultrasound is used in obstetrics to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her fetus.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

uses magnetic impulses to generate pictures of internal structures. MRI is a safe and painless test that produces very clear cross-sectional or three-dimensional images of the body's tissues, even through bone and other obstructions. Because of its safety and clarity, the MRI is a very valuable tool that can aid in the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions. The only thing patients need to do to prepare for an MRI is to remove all metal objects (e.g., jewelry) from their body.

Digital Mammography:

Each year an estimated 240,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,000 are expected to die from the disease (American Cancer Society, 2002). The diagnosis of breast cancer is a source of fear and anxiety for women. The fight against breast cancer is one that can be won. Even though it is not currently possible to entirely prevent the disease, if it is detected at an early stage, the chances for a cure are excellent! The key to early detection is regular screening. MGH’s Digital Mammography Lab is Accredited by the American College of Radiology. Our all-female mammography staff has advanced training and patients’ results are carefully interpreted by specially-trained, Board certified Radiologists.

Teleradiology:

is the process of sending radiologic images from one point to another through digital, computer-assisted transmission. Through teleradiology, MGH is able to send radiographic images to Certified Radiologist’s for (if necessary) immediate interpretation, giving us the capability to provide our patients with round the clock, 24-hour radiology coverage.

For more information on our services, contact us at 360-496-3523.